Ellen Elizabeth (McLean) Phillips, a long time resident of Costa Mesa, California, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2013 in her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 87 years old.

Born on April 10, 1926 in Millinocket, Maine to George and Grace McLean, Ellen was one of ten children. She attended Stearns High School and was valedictorian of her graduating class in 1943. An avid piano player, Ellen met her husband, Daryl Phillips, when asked to perform in his U.S. Army Air Corps jazz band. In 1944, Ellen and Daryl married, and two years later they moved to California.

Ellen spent 25 years working as a Revenue Officer for the Internal Revenue Service. After her retirement, she enjoyed helping family and friends with tax preparation and bookkeeping. Ellen was an active member of the Costa Mesa Women’s Club as well as the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for over 50 years. As a faithful parishioner of the Episcopal Church of the Messiah since 1948, Ellen enjoyed being a member of the alter guild and volunteering her time to help with church sponsored events. While in her 80s, Ellen traveled to New Orleans twice to assist in the relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina.

A modest woman with a true Christian soul, Ellen was very charitable and loving. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing bridge, and visiting with friends and family. Predeceased by her husband, Daryl Robert Phillips in 1995, Ellen is survived by her son, Robert Phillips and wife Helen, and her daughter, Joy King; her grandchildren, Steven, Nicholas, Kathryn, Debra, and Zachary, and great-grandson, Austin; and her siblings, Hazel Thompson, Jean Barrick, and Lawrence McLean, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 10:30am, at Episcopal Church of the Messiah, 614 North Bush Street, Santa Ana, California, followed by a reception at the church. Ellen will be buried with her beloved husband at Riverside National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ellen’s name to either the Beta Sigma Phi Scholarship Fund: 11291 Mac St., Garden Grove, Ca 92841, or to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Los Angeles.